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What are common stinging or biting insects and spiders?
Insects that cause mild reactions include:
- Bedbugs.
- Kissing bugs.
- Chiggers.
- Fleas.
- Flies.
- Mites.
- Mosquitoes.
- Nonpoisonous spiders.
- Ticks.
- Scabies.
- Lice.
Some insects are more likely than others to cause allergic or toxic reactions.
- A bee leaves its stinger behind and then dies after stinging. Africanized honeybees, the so-called killer bees, are more aggressive than common honeybees and often attack together in great numbers. Reaction to bee stings can range from minor skin swelling and redness to a serious allergic reaction.
- Wasps, including hornets and yellow jackets, can sting over and over. Yellow jackets cause the greatest number of allergic reactions.
- A fire ant attaches to a person by biting with its jaws. Then, pivoting its head, it stings from its abdomen in a circular pattern at multiple sites.
What are the flu-like symptoms you can have after an insect bite or sting?
Some insect and spider bites or stings can cause flu-like symptoms to develop within hours of a bite or sting. Or symptoms may be delayed up to 3 weeks. Flu-like symptoms include:
- Fever.
- Shaking chills.
- Muscle or joint aches.
- Headache.
- Swollen glands.
- A vague feeling of illness (malaise).
How are insect bites and stings treated?
Your doctor may prescribe medicine if you have an allergy to bites and stings. But most bites and stings will heal on their own. Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter medicines, creams, or lotions to help relieve the pain of an insect bite or sting.
How can you care for insect stings and bites?
- Do not scratch or rub the skin where the sting or bite occurred.
- Put a cold pack or ice cube on the area. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. For some people, a paste of baking soda mixed with a little water helps relieve pain and decrease the reaction.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to help relieve swelling, redness, and itching. Calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream may also help. Do not give antihistamines to your child unless you have checked with the doctor first. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Be safe with medicines. If your doctor prescribed medicine for your allergy, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Your doctor may prescribe a shot of epinephrine to carry with you in case you have a severe reaction. Learn how and when to give yourself the shot, and keep it with you at all times. Make sure it has not expired.
- Go to the emergency room anytime you have a severe reaction. Go even if you have given yourself epinephrine and are feeling better. Symptoms can come back.
Insect stings and bites: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
- Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over your body.
- Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
- Trouble breathing.
- Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
- Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have symptoms of an allergic reaction not right at the sting or bite, such as:
- A rash or small area of hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
- Itching.
- Swelling.
- Mild belly pain or nausea.
- You have a lot of swelling around the site (such as your entire arm or leg is swollen).
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the sting.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the sting.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.